The commission voted 6 – 0 with Commissioner Welch out of Chambers, to direct the County Attorney to bring back an agenda item which analyzes the Board’s legal purview and oversight options regarding the use of video cameras in public spaces to protect privacy rights and limit the collection of data by third parties.

The May 12 agenda item, requested by commissioners last month, examined the use of public-space cameras by Leon County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Tallahassee, Leon County Schools and the Capital Region Real Time Crime Center.

County staff reported Leon County currently operates approximately 400 closed-circuit cameras at county buildings and parks to support public safety and protect public property. The county budgets about $50,000 annually for camera hardware, maintenance, software and licensing. Officials said the county does not use facial recognition or other artificial intelligence technologies with its existing surveillance systems.

However, the report notes artificial intelligence is becoming more common in traffic enforcement and law enforcement technology. Leon County recently authorized school-zone speed cameras in unincorporated areas and is seeking a vendor to install and operate the automated systems. Officials said AI-assisted speed detection and license plate readers are considered industry standards for accuracy.

The report also detailed the extensive camera networks operated by other agencies. The City of Tallahassee manages approximately 245 traffic cameras through its Regional Traffic Management Center, while Tallahassee Police utilize body cameras, license plate readers, infrared cameras and drones. TPD’s camera operations cost roughly $850,000 annually.

Leon County Schools operates more than 3,000 cameras districtwide, including surveillance cameras on campuses and stop-arm cameras mounted on school buses. The district also uses artificial intelligence software designed to detect visible firearms and alert law enforcement within seconds.

Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office reported spending about $114,000 annually on video camera systems and related services. LCSO uses AI-supported facial recognition and license plate reader technology tied into the Capital Region Real Time Crime Center, which was established in 2022 through a partnership involving local governments, Florida State University and state law enforcement agencies.

A major focus of the report was Connect Tallahassee, a voluntary program launched in March that allows residents and businesses to share security camera footage with law enforcement. Officials said the system currently includes 172 registered cameras and 215 integrated cameras connected to the crime center.

County officials said the initiative supports the board’s strategic effort to combat graffiti and roadside littering. Through the county’s “Love Leon County… don’t trash it” campaign, officials are encouraging residents to report vandalism and littering incidents while also promoting participation in Connect Tallahassee to expand investigative resources available to law enforcement.

The update, presented during the May 13 City Commission meeting, outlined the city’s ongoing monitoring and testing efforts related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. The chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are widely used in consumer and industrial products and have become a growing environmental and public health concern nationwide.

The update comes after local scientists requested a study on the city of Tallahassee’s Southeast Farm water treatment spray field on Tram Road as a potential source of contamination found in a number of private wells throughout the Woodville area.

According to the report, the city has conducted extensive sampling of drinking water, wastewater influent, treated effluent sprayed at the Southeast Farm, biosolids, groundwater wells, and industrial users connected to the wastewater system.

Testing results showed PFAS levels in treated wastewater sprayed at the Southeast Farm measured 2.2 parts per trillion for PFOA and 2.3 parts per trillion for PFOS. Those levels are below the federal drinking water standard of 4 parts per trillion established for both compounds.

City officials said groundwater monitoring data also supports the conclusion that the Southeast Farm is not the primary source of elevated PFAS levels discovered in central Woodville. The report noted that the groundwater contamination area identified by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is approximately 2.74 miles from the spray field.

The update stated that most private well samples collected by the Florida Department of Health in Woodville were below the new federal drinking water standard. As of March 25, 2026, 85 of 112 private well samples tested below 4 parts per trillion. One well on Oak Ridge Road East measured 76 parts per trillion for PFOS, above the state’s provisional groundwater cleanup target level of 70 parts per trillion.

City officials said additional sources are likely contributing to PFAS contamination entering the wastewater system. Sampling identified elevated PFAS levels associated with landfill leachate, laundry operations and car washes.

The city emphasized that Tallahassee’s public drinking water continues to meet all regulatory standards and said officials have been proactive in testing for PFAS prior to regulatory mandates.

The report also noted that PFAS regulations continue to evolve at both the federal and state levels. City officials said Tallahassee will continue monitoring drinking water and wastewater systems while working with state agencies on the broader Woodville investigation.

School board member Laurie Cox voted no.

Board members said the referendum is needed to provide additional flexibility in the district’s budget, particularly as rising operational costs and state funding challenges strain finances. District officials have pointed to increasing health insurance costs, restricted funding streams, and the impact of school choice programs as contributing factors behind the budget difficulties. Earlier this year, the district cut nearly $7 million from its budget while also pursuing renewal of a separate half-cent sales tax.

The measure, which now advances to the Leon County Commission for ballot placement approval, would increase property taxes for four years beginning in 2027 if approved by voters.

The proposal has drawn criticism from residents and community observers who argue the district has not adequately addressed long-term financial management issues before seeking additional taxpayer funding. Critics have highlighted that student enrollment in Leon County has declined for at least five consecutive years, while the district has continued adding administrative positions.

Questions about administrative growth have become a focal point in the debate. Critics contend the district has failed to explain why more administrative staff are needed despite serving fewer students. Others have called for an independent review of the district budget before voters are asked to approve higher property taxes.

Supporters of the referendum argue the additional funding is necessary to maintain employee pay, school safety initiatives, and educational services amid continued financial uncertainty.

After the vote, board members and Superintendent Hanna pledged to address the administrative staffing issue.

The item will come before the Board on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Originally, school board members talked about how the property tax revenue would be used just for teacher salaries. However, now that has changed and the language that will go before the voters in November will allow the new property tax revenue to be used for all school staff pay, not just teachers.

The property tax proposal – not to be confused with the half-penny sales tax – would raise approximately $24 million annually from Leon County property owners. That is a significant burden at a time when residents are already dealing with rising insurance costs, inflation, and higher property taxes driven by increasing home values. Before asking citizens for more money, the school board must demonstrate that it is managing current resources responsibly.

One of the biggest unanswered questions involves declining enrollment. Student population in Leon County Schools has been falling for at least the last five years. In most organizations, shrinking demand leads to restructuring and cost reductions. And while some cuts have been adopted for this year, new tax revenue could make it easier for officials to delay difficult but necessary decisions.

Also, while enrollment declined, the school board hired more administrators. Some have repeatedly asked why additional administrative positions are necessary when fewer students are attending district schools. To date, the district has failed to provide a convincing explanation.

Equally concerning is the lack of long-term planning. School districts across Florida facing enrollment declines have begun difficult but necessary conversations about consolidating campuses, closing underused schools, and streamlining operations. Leon County Schools has offered no comparable plan despite clear demographic trends.

Avoiding these discussions does not make the financial realities disappear. Maintaining underutilized facilities while expanding administrative overhead is not a sustainable strategy, particularly when district leaders are simultaneously asking homeowners for another $24 million each year.

Before any property tax increase moves forward, the school board should invite respected community leaders, business executives, financial professionals, and parents to conduct an independent review of the district budget. A collaborative process could identify efficiencies, reduce waste, and build public trust. Taxpayers deserve to know that every reasonable reform has been considered before they are asked to pay more.

Public education is vital to Leon County’s future, but accountability matters too. Voting against this proposed tax increase would be a vote for transparency, responsible planning, and fiscal discipline.

Recent TR Related School Board Reports

Fewer Students, Higher Taxes

LCS Leads State in Assistant Principal Positions

Double Digit Enrollment Drops Hit Five Florida School Districts

LCS Seeks Renewal of Half-Penny Sales Tax, $500M in Revenue

Leon County School Board Wrangle Over Budget Cuts

LCS Board Rejects Citizen Review in 3-2 Vote

LCS Adds 47 Administrators as Student Enrollment Declines

The analysis also addressed a meeting attended by two school members and the implications related to the Florida Sunshine law.

The memorandum, dated May 19 and authored by attorney Louise Wilhite-St Laurent, analyzed RFQ 113-2026, the solicitation for construction manager services related to the new construction, renovation, demolition and site work project at Raa Middle School.

According to the memo, the district issued the request for qualifications on Feb. 12 through its public procurement portal. Seven firms submitted responses that were deemed responsive and advanced to the scoring process.

The memo acknowledged that district staff initially calculated interview scores using only five committee members instead of six, but noted that the corrected calculation did not change the final vendor rankings.

The legal analysis states that vendors had multiple opportunities under Florida law to protest the solicitation, the short-list selection process and the final recommended award, but no protests were filed within the required 72-hour windows. The memo argues that the failure to file timely protests waived the vendors’ rights to later challenge the process.

The attorney ultimately concluded that the superintendent’s recommendation to award the contract to Rippee Construction is “legally sound” and can be approved by the School Board “without significant subsequent legal risk.”

The memorandum also addressed questions surrounding an April 29 information meeting attended by two School Board members and representatives from construction firms. The meeting raised concerns about whether the gathering violated Florida’s Sunshine Law or the district’s Cone of Silence policy governing procurement communications.

The two school members attending the meeting were Daryl Jones and Marcus Nicolas.

Wilhite-St Laurent concluded that no Sunshine Law violation occurred because no official action was taken or intended during the meeting. The memo further stated there was no substantive discussion of the RFQ itself and therefore no Cone of Silence violation.

The item is scheduled to be addressed at the May 26 Leon County School Board meeting.

Pasco County, near Tampa, is second with 397.5 students for every assistant principal position. The state average is one assistant principal position for every 486.6 students.

The data shows that LCS employees 88 assistant principals. If LCS followed the state average, the number of assistant principals would be reduced to 62 positions, a decline of approximately 27%.

TR has previously reported that from 2018-219 to 2024-25, LCS school administrators increased by 28%, from 170 to 217. The 47 positions added during this period included 13 assistant principals.

As these administrator positions were being added, the number of students dropped by approximately 8%, from 33,543 in 2018 to 29,990 in 2024. In addition, the number of teachers decreased from 2,070 in 2018 to 1,772 in 2024. Also, the “School Administration” budget line item increased by $23% or $4.7 million, from $20.4 million to $25.1 million.

The innovative program was developed in response to the nationwide pilot shortage and is designed to help students move from zero flight experience to commercial pilot readiness in as little as 12 to 16 months.

The PAC program combines comprehensive ground school instruction with hands-on flight training, preparing students for FAA pilot certifications and entry into the aviation workforce. Through a cohort-based model, students progress together through training in a focused, collaborative learning environment while gaining the knowledge, flight hours, and practical experience needed to pursue careers in aviation.

Students will split their training between classroom instruction at TSC and flight instruction at Sterling Flight Training, located at the Bobby Bowden Tallahassee International Airport. The program includes classroom learning, simulator training, one-on-one flight instruction, and aircraft-based flight time, allowing students to earn 250 to 300 flight hours.

Unlike many traditional collegiate aviation programs, the PAC program is intentionally non-degreed, focusing directly on the FAA certifications required for employment as a professional pilot.

“Professional pilots get paid for their FAA licenses, not their degrees, so we chose to cut out the aviation-related degree that many other colleges offer and that their graduates rarely monetize,” said Dr. Chris Johnson, program architect and former professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

The program is designed to make aviation careers more accessible to a broad range of students, including traditional college students, career changers, and Veterans seeking a streamlined pathway into the aviation industry.

“Aviation is one of the fastest-growing workforce sectors in the country, and this partnership allows TSC to respond quickly to industry demand while creating life-changing career opportunities for our students,” said Shelly Bell, Vice President for Workforce Development at Tallahassee State College. “The PAC program provides an accelerated, affordable pathway into high-paying aviation careers right here in our region.”

The Professional Aeronautics Certification program is scheduled to launch in Fall 2026. Space is limited, and prospective students are encouraged to apply early. For more information about the Professional Aeronautics Certification program or to apply online, visit SterlingFlight.com. 

There will be a free, community event to celebrate the program’s launch on Wednesday, May 20, at Sterling Flight School. The event will have aircraft displays, program information sessions, networking with aviation professionals, a raffle for a free discovery flight, and pizza. 

Officers responded to the area following reports of a shooting and quickly learned the victim had been transported to the corner of Seventh Avenue and Monroe Street. Life-saving measures were attempted; however, the victim sadly succumbed to his injuries.

Through their investigation, detectives with TPD’s Violent Crimes Unit identified King as a suspect. The investigation revealed the victim was asked to leave the Sound Bar following an argument with staff. A disagreement continued outside the business, during which the victim reportedly made threats and entered a vehicle. King then retrieved a firearm kept on-site for security and discharged the weapon multiple times, striking the victim.

Following consultation with the State Attorney’s Office, King was charged with second-degree homicide.

Matlow sought to take advantage of a recently revealed federal government audit of a grant program awarded to the city. In the process Matlow accused City Manager Reese Goad and his “brother-in-law” of “public corruption.”

Matlow wrote on a social media post, “Nepotism between Reese Goad as City Manager and Adam Jacobs, Budget Director for the COT housing department underscores the poor judgement of Reese Goad again. The city manager and his brother-in-law have cost the city another political, financial, and reputational black eye… This is a dark moment for our city.”

Matlow continued, “Both Mr. Goad and his brother-in-law have let down our city government.”

The attack backfired when it was revealed that Matlow’s claims were false. The Budget Director for the city referenced in Matlow’s post is not related to City Manager Goad.

Matlow used the false narrative to make dramatic claims, writing, “the embarrassment of public corruption amid allegations and findings by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development against the City of Tallahassee is the very last straw we can take.”

The audit initiated by the federal government has not been completed and no findings have been released.

Matlow offered an apology for his mistake at the end of Wednesday’s city commission meeting but was criticized by Mayor Dailey for not understanding the impact of his irresponsible actions on an innocent city employee. Dailey demanded Matlow make a formal apology at the next city commission meeting and include that apology on social media where Matlow published his accusations.

Matlow left the city hall chambers while Dailey was responding to Matlow’s attack on Goad.

Statewide, Florida’s K-12 student population declined from 2.84 million students in 2018-19 to 2.79 million in 2024-25, a decrease of about 53,700 students, or 1.9%.

Among large districts, Pinellas County Schools recorded the steepest percentage decline, losing 16.8% of its enrollment over the six-year period. The district dropped from 100,985 students to 84,064 students, a loss of nearly 17,000 students.

The chart below shows the changes in student enrolment from 2018/19 to 2024/25 for districts with over 10,000 students in 2024/25.

Broward County Public Schools posted the largest numeric decline, shedding 29,244 students, or 10.8%. Leon County Schools ranked among the districts with the highest percentage losses, falling 10.6% from 33,543 students to 29,990 students.

Other districts with notable declines included School District of Indian River County at minus 10.6%, Escambia County School District at minus 10%, and Seminole County Public Schools at minus 7.8%.

On the growth side, Hendry County School District recorded the state’s largest percentage increase, nearly doubling enrollment from 7,322 students to 14,194 students, a 93.9% increase.

Several fast-growing districts were concentrated in Central and Northeast Florida. St. Johns County School District grew 21.7%, while Walton County School District increased 20.2% and St. Lucie Public Schools expanded 18.4%.

Other districts posting sizable gains included Pasco County Schools at 9.6%, Lee County School District at 7.4%, and School District of Osceola County at 6.7%.

School Closures

Several of the Florida school districts that experienced the largest enrollment declines since 2018-19 are now actively closing or consolidating schools because of falling student numbers and related budget pressures.

Pinellas County Schools, which posted the state’s largest percentage decline among major districts at 16.8%, has already approved multiple school closures and consolidations. In February 2026, the school board voted to close Cross Bayou Elementary and Disston Academy while also merging and restructuring other campuses to address long-term enrollment losses and rising operating costs.

District officials said the changes were part of a broader “Planning for Progress” initiative prompted by years of declining enrollment. Earlier in the process, administrators warned that additional closures could follow.

Broward County Public Schools, which lost more than 29,000 students between 2018-19 and 2024-25, is also pursuing a large-scale downsizing effort. The district has considered closing, consolidating, or repurposing dozens of campuses under its “Redefining Our Schools” initiative.

Reports indicate Broward officials proposed shutting down at least seven schools amid a projected budget shortfall tied to declining enrollment.

Statewide, enrollment losses have been linked to lower birth rates, expanded school choice programs, charter school growth, homeschooling, and private-school voucher programs. Former Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said in 2024 that some school closures are an expected consequence of increased school choice competition.

While Leon County Schools ranked among the districts with the sharpest enrollment declines, current web reports did not show the district formally moving to close schools at this time. Other districts with notable losses, including Escambia County School District and Seminole County Public Schools, also have faced ongoing discussions about capacity and enrollment management, though large-scale closures have not received the same statewide attention as Pinellas and Broward.

According to materials presented to board members, the Tennessee-based company specializes in student recruitment, retention and chronic absenteeism campaigns for public school districts across the country. Caissa says it currently works with more than 100 districts in over two dozen states and uses political-style campaign strategies to identify and recruit students.

The proposal comes as Leon County Schools faces financial pressure linked to declining enrollment. Public school districts receive state funding based largely on student attendance, meaning each student who leaves for a charter school, private school, home-schooling or another district reduces district revenue. Community discussions in Tallahassee have increasingly focused on enrollment losses and potential budget cuts or school consolidations.

The company’s materials describe a “performance-based” model in which districts pay only for students who successfully enroll and attend school. Caissa says it tracks students individually to verify results and uses outreach tactics including canvassing, direct mail, phone calls, digital advertising, community events and grassroots organizing.

Caissa officials argue public school districts now operate in a competitive environment and must actively market their programs to families. The company says its campaigns are designed to improve enrollment trends, increase state funding tied to student counts and strengthen public awareness of district offerings.

One of the biggest questions surrounding Caissa’s proposal is the company’s fee structure. While Leon County Schools has not publicly released a proposed payment amount, contracts in other districts provide insight into the company’s pricing model.

In Orange County Public Schools, district officials approved a contract paying Caissa $935 for every student successfully recruited or recovered who remained enrolled for at least 30 instructional days. District officials there said the company helped re-enroll 1,932 students during the first year of the agreement, generating approximately $1.8 million in payments to Caissa. However, Orange County officials argued each returning student also generated nearly $8,950 in state funding, leaving the district with a net financial gain.

A similar contract approved this year by Hartford Public Schools also pays Caissa $935 per recruited student, with the agreement capped at $500,000.

Caissa describes its services as “performance-based,” meaning districts pay only for verified enrollment results rather than traditional advertising fees. The company’s campaigns include direct mail, phone calls, digital advertising, canvassing, community events and grassroots outreach.

Leon County Schools officials have not yet announced whether the board will move forward with a contract.

District officials recently reviewed a proposal from TPG Cultural Exchange, a U.S. Department of State-designated J-1 visa sponsor that places certified international teachers in K-12 schools across the country. According to the company’s presentation to the district, TPG has more than 15 years of experience and reports a 93% year-over-year teacher retention rate in partner districts.

Publicly identified countries connected to TPG teachers include India, Jamaica, Philippines, Ghana, Uganda, Spain, and France.

The initiative is aimed at helping the district fill hard-to-staff positions, including exceptional student education, STEM fields, English language learning, and elementary education. TPG states that participating teachers must hold the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in education, have at least two years of teaching experience, demonstrate English fluency, and obtain Florida certification before entering classrooms.

Under the proposed arrangement, Leon County Schools would interview and select candidates while TPG would manage visa sponsorship, relocation assistance, compliance requirements, and ongoing support services. The company says the J-1 visas are initially valid for three years and may be extended to five years with federal approval.

District leaders indicated the recruitment effort would not replace local hiring initiatives, but instead supplement ongoing efforts to address staffing shortages that have affected schools nationwide. Supporters say international teachers can provide students with broader cultural perspectives and global learning opportunities in addition to filling vacancies.

TPG’s materials highlighted partnerships with school districts in Florida and other states, including Duval County Public Schools and Polk County Public Schools.